The States

Role of the States in the Energy Transition

Calif. Energy Commission

“The State Energy Offices are most easily characterized as the energy policy arm of the governor of each state. They’re diverse. Sometimes they’re stand-alone agencies or located in a Department of Commerce. We are located within the California Natural Resources Agency.”

Chair Decker Reflects on Eight Years at the Commission

Oregon PUC

“We’re at a place where there’s a lot of focus on the PUC. There is a healthy conversation coming about not being able to have everything and realizing that by relying on your PUC to achieve the balance among these competing priorities, there are going to be disappointments.”

Power infrastructure: Wyoming PSC

State Commissioners

“Much infrastructure growth and research and development are going to require continued government intervention, whether in the form of funding for research or loan guarantees. The picture, in my mind, has been getting a little clearer over the last few years, but I still don’t see a clear path to either 2030 or 2040.”

Power infrastructure: Washington UTC

State Commissioners

“The distribution system needs communication and management systems to provide a greater understanding of what’s happening on the distribution grid as large and small customers are installing more distributed energy resources. With this, utilities can better manage peak demands and ensure reliability.”

Power infrastructure: Pennsylvania PUC

State Commissioners

“Pennsylvania passed legislation allowing for alternative ratemaking, which allows utilities the option to utilize time-of-use, incentive, multi-year, decoupled, and other distribution rate designs. We haven’t had significant applications of these designs yet, but the tools are in the toolbox.”

Power infrastructure: North Carolina PSC

State Commissioners

“I think about the potential for increased reserve margins for utilities due to extreme weather, the impact of economic development decisions, as well as potential load growth from electrification of the motor vehicle fleet. With all that demand coming onto the grid in the near and long term, it gives me concerns. The grid is going to be challenged.”

Power infrastructure: New Mexico PRC

State Commissioners

“Items like transformers are hard to get. That can slow down the change, including the need to address resource adequacy. It also slows down economic development because new loads need transformers too. That’s the immediate need, it’s equipment.”